Blake leaned over and took it to hold for her. It was light, almost as if there was nothing inside. He wanted to give it a shake, but that would interrupt the discussion. Besides, it had been left to Paradise. It was hers to open and examine first.
Scott slid a paper across the table to her. “Sign here that you received the bequest.”
She scribbled her name. “Did Bea talk to you about this bequest at all?”
“She did, and she gave me permission to tell you.” He steepled his fingers on his desk. “She was afraid of someone. I suspect whoever killed her wanted the contents of the box.”
“Did she tell you what’s in here?”
He shook his head. “She didn’t want me in danger.”
Drew leaned forward. “When did the box come into your possession?”
“A week before she died. She insisted on meeting me at Mac’s just before it closed for the night. She was waiting at a back table in the corner, away from any windows, and the place was empty. We ordered something to drink, and she slipped this little box to me. I palmed it to tuck inside my pocket. We chatted like it was only a social meeting and left.”
Drew scowled. “So you don’t know anything about who she feared?”
“I tried to get her to tell me, but she refused.”
“Did the police talk to you?”
Scott shook his head. “I had nothing of value to offer other than she feared for her life, which wasn’t a secret. Her children knew, too, though she didn’t reveal to them who intended her harm.”
“They might have wanted to examine the contents of that box.”
“It’s not theirs to take. It belongs to Paradise, and I’m sure if there’s anything in it that reveals a crime, she’ll contact the authorities.”
Paradise rose and took the box from Blake, then dropped itinto her large purse. “Thanks so much. I know you were fitting us in and you have clients waiting.”
They filed out of the building without comment. Paradise reached the sidewalk. “There’s a park over there.” She pointed to a grassy area with a picnic table at the end of the building. “Anyone have scissors?”
“I have a knife in the truck that will work,” Blake said. “But maybe we should open the box in private so no one knows you received anything. The family knows, but Bea’s bequests wouldn’t be common knowledge.”
Paradise’s expression went thoughtful. “I suppose you’re right. It’s so small that I can’t imagine what’s inside and whether it could be helpful.”
Drew put his hand on her forearm. “Chief Dixon’s office is right here in town. We could go straight there and open it in a conference room. That way if there’s anything that helps us find the killer, she and Nora are there to advise.”
Blake took Paradise’s hand. “That’s a great idea. Let’s just walk. It will appear we’re out for a stroll and just stopped in to speak to Jane.”
They walked past the charming Pelican Harbor storefronts to the police station. Seagulls dive-bombed Blake’s hair, and he waved them off as Paradise ducked. The briny scent of Bon Secour Bay mingled with the sweet aroma of beignets from Petit Charms. They found Jane talking to an officer at the front desk.
Her hazel eyes widened when she saw them. “What a pleasant surprise. Come on back.” She led them to her office. “I just made a fresh pot of coffee. Want some?”
“I wouldn’t say no.” Blake went to the coffee bar to pour a cup and brought mugs back for Drew and Paradise.
Jane moved to the chair behind her desk. “I can see tension all over you, Paradise. What’s up?”
Paradise pulled the small box from her purse and placed it on Jane’s desk. “Bea left this for me with Scott Foster. He didn’t know what’s in it and just delivered it to me.”
Jane reached for scissors. “May I?”
“Please do. I’m dying to see what’s in it. It’s so light.”
Jane struggled to get the scissors through the tape. “Someone didn’t want anyone in this thing.” The blade of the scissors finally slit along the opening edge of the box, and she got the tape free enough to open it. She handed the box back to Paradise. “I’ll let you do the honors.”
Paradise lifted the top and peered inside. “It’s camera film. Does anyone in town develop prints?”
“I can have them done through the station if you’d like. The drugstore will take a week, and I should be able to get them back in a couple of days.”
